California's Channel Islands are often called "the Galapagos Islands of North America" due to their unique and diverse array of plants and animals, 145 of which are found nowhere else on earth. It is highly unusual to have such an assemblage of "one of a kind" species located in such a small area, a product of evolution in isolation on the islands. Unfortunately this isolation has also made some of these species vulnerable.
One of these is the diminutive island fox. Feral pigs have played a pivotal role in the catastrophic decline of island foxes. Formerly rare or occasional visitors, golden eagles have taken up residence on the islands, sustained by the year-round supply of piglets. Golden eagles predation has placed the island fox on the brink of extinction. Feral pigs also destroy native vegetation, cause widespread erosion, threaten rare plants, and disturb archeological sites.
Channel Islands Live! Webcam video and discussion board for nesting bald eagles on Santa Cruz Island. more...
Montrose Settlements Restoration Program Restoring natural resources harmed by DDTs and PCBs. more...
Did You Know?
Park and sanctuary waters are home to the largest aggregation of blue whales in the world. Approximately 10% of the global blue whale population gathers in the channel during the summer.
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